Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater shows, and more. Sometimes events get postponed or rescheduled to a later date. In those cases, customers often wonder if Ticketmaster will provide refunds if an event is rescheduled. There are a few key factors that determine whether Ticketmaster will offer refunds for rescheduled events.
Ticketmaster’s refund policy for rescheduled events
Ticketmaster’s official refund policy states that refunds are available if an event is postponed, rescheduled, or canceled. However, the specific refund policy can vary depending on the event promoter and venue.
Generally, if an event is rescheduled, Ticketmaster will allow ticket holders the option to obtain a refund if they can no longer attend the new date. The refund is usually available for a limited time, often 30 days from the announcement of the new event date.
Refund eligibility for different event types
While Ticketmaster’s general policy is to allow refunds for rescheduled events, refund eligibility can vary for different types of events:
Concerts
For rescheduled concerts, customers can typically request a refund within 30 days of the new concert date being announced. The refund timeline may be shorter for some shows.
Sporting events
Sporting events often have more flexible refund policies than concerts. Ticket holders can usually obtain refunds even after the 30 day window if the rescheduled date does not work for them.
Theater/performing arts
Theater and performing arts events tend to have stricter no refund policies. But if an event is rescheduled, refunds are usually provided within a short window from the announcement date.
Comedy shows
Comedy shows will commonly offer refunds if a performance is rescheduled. However, the window of time to obtain a refund may be shorter, around 14 days from the announcement.
Factors that impact refund eligibility
A few key factors can determine whether ticket holders can get a refund for a rescheduled event through Ticketmaster:
The event promoter’s policies
Promoters and event organizers set the final refund rules for their events. While Ticketmaster establishes their own refund policy, the promoter’s policy takes precedence in determining eligibility.
The original ticket purchase date
Tickets purchased after an event has been rescheduled may not be eligible for refunds. Refunds are generally only offered to customers who bought tickets before the new event date was announced.
Where the tickets were purchased
Tickets purchased directly through Ticketmaster will be subject to their refund policies. However, tickets bought via third-party resellers may not qualify for refunds in all cases. Resellers establish their own policies.
How to request a refund from Ticketmaster
If an event is rescheduled and you can no longer attend the new date, here is how to request a refund from Ticketmaster:
Online purchase refunds
For tickets purchased online via Ticketmaster, customers can request refunds online:
1. Log in to your Ticketmaster account.
2. From the My Tickets page, find the order for the rescheduled event.
3. Select “Request a Refund” – follow the prompts to confirm your refund request.
4. Refunds will be processed back to your original payment method. Allow 30 days for the refund to appear.
Box office/phone purchase refunds
For tickets bought directly via box office or phone sales, contact Ticketmaster’s customer service to request a refund:
– By phone: +1 800-653-8000
– Online chat support is also available to initiate refunds. Have your order number ready.
– Provide the order number, event details and reason for your refund request.
– A refund will be issued once approved and typically takes 30 days to process.
Alternatives to refunds for rescheduled events
If a refund is not available for a rescheduled event through Ticketmaster, there are few options that customers can consider:
Ticket transfers
Ticketmaster allows tickets to be transferred to a new buyer in some cases. This allows you to sell your tickets via Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace. There may be transfer fees.
Reselling tickets
Sell unwanted tickets via other resale sites like StubHub. Be sure the tickets can be verified and transferred before reselling.
Event venue exceptions
Some event venues will make exceptions and may offer refunds even if Ticketmaster does not. Contact the venue box office directly.
Credit card price protection
Credit cards with price protection could refund the ticket cost if the rescheduled date results in a lower ticket price.
Factors outside of Ticketmaster’s control
There are a few circumstances where Ticketmaster may be unable to offer refunds for rescheduled events even if their general policy is to provide refunds:
Bankruptcy/cancelation
If an event is canceled entirely due to bankruptcy or other factors, Ticketmaster legally cannot provide refunds. Customers would need to file a claim.
Misconduct cancellations
If an event is canceled due to performer misconduct, Ticketmaster will not issue refunds beyond their normal policy. These situations are extremely rare.
Uncontrollable circumstances
Natural disasters, power outages, and other unforeseen circumstances that force event cancellations or rescheduling are generally subject to Ticketmaster’s standard refund policies. However, in extreme scenarios with mass event disruption, refunds cannot be guaranteed.
Checking if a rescheduled event is refundable
The best way to confirm if your specific tickets for a rescheduled event are refundable through Ticketmaster is to contact their customer service. There are also a few steps you can take:
Check your email receipts
Lookup the confirmation email receipts from your Ticketmaster ticket purchases. Any notices about refund eligibility for rescheduling will be communicated here.
Read the specific event policy
Using your Ticketmaster account, find the details for the rescheduled event. Click “View Event Policy” link to see if refunds will be offered.
Contact the event venue
As the local box office will know the event’s specific refund rules, you can contact them directly to check eligibility.
Speak to your credit card company
For tickets purchased with a credit card that includes protections, the card issuer may be able to confirm if you can get reimbursed for the ticket cost.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster does generally offer refunds to ticket holders if an event is rescheduled and the new date does not work. However, refund eligibility depends on the specific event, promoter policies, and date of purchase. Customers should check directly with Ticketmaster customer service to see if their particular tickets allow refunds due to a rescheduling. If refunds are not available, ticket transfers or reselling may provide an alternative way to recover the cost. Though in extremely rare scenarios outside of their control, Ticketmaster may be unable to offer refunds. By understanding their policies and checking event details, customers can get clarification on refund availability for rescheduled events purchased via Ticketmaster.
